Answer to rising prices – fatalism

Most Russians either don’t want to do anything to deal with inflation or believe it’s useless, a new survey says.

Almost half of the people surveyed by VCIOM polling agency take a fatalistic approach to rising prices. Trying to control the damage is useless, said 47% of them. Another 13% are bracing themselves for inflation and say they will eventually get used to the inflated price tags.

Just 2% said that they may take up arms if put in dire need, but the number is twice as bigger than in May 2008, when a similar poll was made.

VCIOM survey

The survey was taken on February 7-8. It questioned 1,600 people in 140 cities and towns in 42 regions of Russia. Statistical error does not exceed 3.4%.

The main way to adapt to shrinking budgets in Russia is replacing expensive goods with cheaper ones or dropping them off shopping lists altogether. Almost two thirds, 63%, of people said they did it.

Almost a quarter (23%) said they were seeking extra income sources, while 21% cover budget shortfalls from savings. Fewer people hope to get a salary boost now. Just 7% intend to ask their boss for a higher wage compared with 13% in May last year.